In loving memory of Edward A. “Ted” Snell

Obituary

Ocala, FL – Edward A. “Ted” Snell, 80, of Ocala, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2020 at his home. Born on Feb 7, 1940 in Littleton, NH, the son of the late Arthur E. and Edna (Dyke) Snell.

Ted graduated from Lisbon, NH High School in 1958 and from the University of New Hampshire in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and business, supporting himself through college by selling eggs. After graduation, he became a 4-H agent in Sullivan County in New Hampshire, followed by two years of active military duty from 1963 to 1965 in the US Army. Ted served in the veterinarian food corps, inspecting products, produce and shipping military goods out of the Mississippi River Delta.

After military service, Ted continued with the University of NH as a 4-H agent and was awarded the National 4-H Alumni Award for his recognition of excellent service. Ted furthered his service as Alumni Director for the University of NH, General Manager of the Nippo Golf Course in Barrington, NH and was successful in his run for the New Hampshire State Senate District 4 in 1970.

Ted continued his professional life in racetrack management, working with greyhound, harness and thoroughbred tracks in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida. Ted and his wife Barbara owned and operated the Beale House Inn in Littleton, NH. He was the Dean of Admissions at Hawthorne College, Antrim, NH

Ted was known to many for his beautiful tenor singing and whistling, in the Episcopal church, clubs and at home. He enjoyed his retirement years fly fishing, volunteering as the Director for Habitat for Humanity in Decatur County, GA and nursing home volunteer. Ted helped establish Back-Pack program for the Bainbridge, GA schools. Ted loved to spend time with his beloved and faithful dog, Haddie.

He is survived by his loving wife Barbara (Peace) of 46 years, by his daughter Heidi (Ray) Horsch, stepsons Robert Rohrborn (Jose Franco), Richard Rohrborn and a son Christopher. He was pre-deceased by his stepdaughter Patricia Brander. Other family member includes granddaughters, Isabelle & Ella Horsch, Virginia Rohrborn, Domenica Rohrborn, Ann Brander, Christina Brander, Samantha and Hannah Rohrborn

Interment will be with military honors at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire at a later date

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Terry Lee Harrington says:

07 Jun 2020

Sad to hear that Ted is gone. Fond memories of him at the dog track. My Dad did PR for the track so their paths crossed often. Last saw Ted when he was managing Pompano Harness in the 90s. Just ran into him. Took my Mom out for a night at the races. We reminisced about my Dad who had passed and all they fun they had at Seabrook. I used to sell the newspapers and lottery tickets at Seabrook. A day without a wager is like a day without sunshine. I'll remember Ted every time I put my two dollars down on a nag or a dog. Memories. FineIst Kind. TERRY
christopher edward snell says:

21 May 2020

My father's obituary left out some 2 salient , fascinating points about his work in the dog/horse track industry. He was clever and creative enough to know he HAD to come up with some way to get new customers to come in and try a day at the races, OR keep the "regulars", as they were called, at the track. As far as I know, he was one of the very first people to do "giveaways" to fans. You name it- he gave it away: hats, pins, flowers for the ladies, golf hats, visors, pens, mugs, coasters,e tc. Today, casinos ALL have players' club rewards with similar, but more high-end gifts. But he was one of the first to do this. And it WORKED. As well, he was instrumental in getting buses, large parties, and all kinds of groups to the tracks. He'd greet them with a smile when they got off the bus, give them a small token, and show them into the entrance. Some might laugh or snicker at these marketing gimmicks, but they succeeded, and made fans feel valued. Second, and a mutual friend reminded me of this, he was so incredibly adept at making fans/colleagues feel good at work. He was 24/7 walking around the facility in which he worked, saying "hello", asking about a sick relative, patting someone on the back, and inquiring about a peer's child and their latest sports game. His colleagues LOVED him more than he'll ever know. They WERE his family. It didn't matter whether you were the owner of the track, or an elderly, cane-equipped gentleman with no knowledge of my father- they were equally important in my father's eyes. I would need a whole week to count the times he'd help an older fan get off a bus, walk to the mutuels window, or carry a snack for them back to the table. HE LOVED his customers, and they reciprocated. He was given more gifts and gift baskets than Oprah's studio audience. Older ladies absolutely LOVED him. Some might question why he moved around so much, going from one track to another in his management career. I have a prediction on this- he wanted to spread the love of the public to others. He genuinely cared and loved the public. He adored his customers. Yes, he knew he needed to attract new race fans to keep the industry strong, and he had the brainpower to do so. So in keeping my father's memory alive, it is a must that we all remember these positive attributes. Casinos everywhere owe some of their fan base success to Ted. Businesses that go out of their way to keep customers and make them feel important owe some of that ethic to Ted. And finally, showing respect to the "little guy" at work and doing it NOT for any prize, but because it makes one a better human being- we owe that to my father, too. A lot can be learned from him and his work.
lou dallesandro says:

18 May 2020

A good friend we were at unh together. My best to the family.
Christina Brander lit a candle:

14 May 2020
Christina Brander lit a candle:

14 May 2020